Union pilots at UPS will seek a court order to force US regulators to include cargo pilots in a new regulation aimed at preventing pilot fatigue.

The Independent Pilots Association said it would file a federal lawsuit on Thursday, a day after the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) finalised the rule.

The FAA exempted cargo companies from the rule, which sets new limits on scheduling for pilots at passenger airlines to ensure they get adequate rest.

Regulators said that including cargo haulers such as UPS and FedEx would cost industry an extra USD$ 300 million over 10 years. The regulation is expected to cost passenger airlines USD$ 297 million over the same period.